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In the Second Book of Shmuel (Samuel), 22nd chapter, 5th through the 19th verses, translated from the original in Hebrew and published by the Koren Publishers of Jerusalem, Israel,
can perhaps aptly describe the fate of the crew and all other U.S.sailors who died defending their county:

"When the waves of death compassed me / the floods of ungodly men made me afraid; / the bonds of She'ol encircled me; / the snares of death took me by surprise; / in my distress I called upon the Lord, / and cried to my G-D: / and he heard my voice out of his temple, / and my cry entered into his ears. / Then the earth shook and trembled; /the foundations of heaven moved / and shook because of his anger /...the heavy mass of waters, and thick clouds of the skies /... And the channels of the sea appeared, / the foundations of the world were laid bare, / at the rebuking of the Lord, at the blast at the breath of his nostrils. / He sent from above, he took me; / he drew me out of many waters; / he delivered me from my strong enemy, and from those who hated me; for they were too strong for me. / They surprised me in the day of my calamity: / but the Lord was my stay..."Penelope's Song courtesy of Loreena McKennitt via quinlanroad.com.

AMERICA'S DREADNOUGHT COSTS $8,000,000.Battleship Utah (BB-31) Rides the Stream
Biggest Fighting Machine in the United States Navy is Named as She Slides Down the Ways Miss Mary Alice Spry Breaks Bottle of Wine in Customary FashionCrowds Cheer and Whistles Blow as Huge Vessel Touches the WaterFifth of All Big Gun Type of Battleships for Uncle Sam

The Battleship Utah (BB-31) launched today. This picture shows her just after leaving the ways and floating majestically on the placid waters of the Delaware river at Camden, N.J. where the boat was constructed.

Terror of the seas slides from the ways.I christen thee Utah (BB-31). In a clear and musical voice spoke out Miss Mary Alioe Spry as the worlds greatest death dealing monster slid from its ways and grace fully glided into its watery home. I christen thee Utah echoed the vast concourse of assembled guests and as the reverberations died away the workmen who for months had toiled to build the mighty vessel bowed their heads in awed silence and suddenly as would a victorious army their husky voices shouted back I christen thee Utah.Scene at launching recently of the battleship North Dakota (BB-29), a terror of the deep built much along the lines of the Utah.

Navy Department Can't Keep Brigham Young And Mormon Temple Off Utah's (BB-31) Silver ServiceAfter all, the magnificent silver service which the state of Utah is to present to the Dreadnought battleship Utah, now nearly completed is to have engraved upon as emblems a likeness of Brigham Young and a picture of the Mormon temple at Salt Lake City. This information is contained in a letter written to Hugh Gordon Miller of New York by Assistant Secretary of the Navy Beekman Winthrop. Mr. Miller recently filed a protest against the Mormon engravings on the Utah's sliver service at the request of the women's Republican clubs of New York City. Mr. Winthrop's letter follows: Sir—The department to in receipt, by reference from the president, of your letter of a recent date protesting against the acceptance of the silver service presented to the United States steamship Utah by the state of Utah which, it is alleged, to engraved with a picture of Brigham Young - and the Mormon temple and in reply begs to inform you that it does not feel that it can prescribe the pattern or design of- any service; This, it would seem it has no concern in, and in the past such details have always been considered as pertaining to the individual' state. If it be true that the silver service for the Utah has been patterned as your report the department to inclined to the opinion that it would be injudicious and inadvisable to raise any question of issues in which it can be in no wise concerned. Very respectfully, BEEKMAN WINTHROP. Assistant Secretary of the Navy. The Utah controversy recalls that which followed the publication - of the action of the state of Mississippi in engraving the picture of Jefferson Davis, the president of the Confederate states, on the silver service presented to the battleship Mississippi (BB-23). All sorts of resolutions and objections were raised to this action on the part of Mississippi, but they had no effect, and the picture of the president of the southern Confederacy is on the plate.

Image and text provided by State Historical Society of North Dakota.Photo from The Evening Times. (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1906-1914, 07 January 1911, Image 1, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.

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The battleship Utah (BB-31) is nearly ready to make her trial speed trips.A swarm of workmen are adding the finishing touches to the battleship Utah, Uncle Sam's latest giant of the sea and within the next two weeks her speed trials will be under way. The torpedo destroyer Ammen (DD-35) will be completed about the same time. Both ships are being built at the yards of the New York Shipbuilding company,
Camden, N. J.. Before the Utah gets started on her trial trip the launching of the battleship Arkansas(BB-33), a sister ship, will keep the Navy officials busy for a time.

Photo from The Logan Republican, (Logan, Utah) 1902-1924, 21 January 1911. Image and text provided by University of Utah, Marriott Library via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.

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OUR NEW DREADNAUGHT, THE UTAH (BB-31)This is an original 1911 halftone print of featuring the dreadnought battleship Utah brought from the yards at Camden, New Jersey and dry-docked for the finishing touches at the League Island Navy Yard.

Birdseye view of the battleship Utah (BB-31), the largest warship so far completed for the United States Navy, which has left the yard of the New York Shipbuilding company at Camden, N. J., for her official trial off the New England coast. The new ship must develop a speed of 20.5 knots an hour to comply with the government's requirements. The speed test will take place probably today over the measured course off Rockland, Maine. The Utah has a displacement of 21,875 tons, while the battleship Delaware (BB-28), the biggest Dreadnought in the fleet now assembled off Portsmouth, England, for the coronation review of King George, has a displacement of 20,000 tons.

$28,000,000 TO PUT BIGGEST Dreadnought UTAH (BB-31) INTO ACTION.$250,000 an Hour Is the Expense of Fighting Newest WarshipWhile Her Maintenance Costs $832,000 a Year, or More.

Image and text provided by The New York Public Library, Astor, Lenox and Tilden Foundation.Photo from The Evening World. (New York, N.Y.) 1887-1931, 16 September 1911, Final Edition, Image 12, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.

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Starboard broadside of the Utah (BB-31) underway with the crew lining the rails between 1911 and 1915. The location is upper New York Harbor just south of the battery. You can see lower Manhattan off of her stern and Brooklyn heights just forward of the bow.

BATTLESHIP UTAH (BB-31) GETS SILVER SERVICETHE silver service purchased by 30,000 school children of Utah for the new battleship Utah was presented by Governor Spry to Capt William S. Benson, commander of the vessel, in the New York navy yard the other day. The gift, displayed on a long table between two immense guns, was unveiled by Miss Hazel Tout.

Utah (BB-31) in Guantanamo Bay. This photo possibly dates during her shakedown cruise;-a voyage that took her to Hampton Roads, Va., Santa Rosa Island and Pensacola, Fla., Galveston, Tex., Kingston and Portland Bight, Jamaica, and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Utah was assigned to the Atlantic Fleet in March 1912.

Officers and crew of the Utah (BB-31) on 10 May 1912. The day before, the Utah succeeded in becoming the first ship to use the new Drydock at the Brooklyn Navy Yard which had a reputation as a man killer.

HOW AMERICA'S GUNNERS HOLD THE SUPREMACY OF THE SEATHE EYES OF THE GUNS
Above is the Ordinance Officer who sits in the Foretop and Directs by Telephone the Marksmanship of the Gunners Below.At the Bottom of the page is the Crew of a Seven inch Gun on the Utah (BB-31)Lowering a Pontoon Raft with Contact Mines from Battleship South Carolina (BB-26) to the Ship's CutterPlacing the Mines from the Bow to the Cutter

UNCLE SAM'S BIGGEST DRYDOCK TAKES IN UTAH (BB-31), BIGGEST BATTLESHIP, WHICH WILL HAVE DENTS IN ARMOR STRAIGHTENED OUTThe Utah is in the navy hospital because of a British tramp steamship trying to got to sea in a fog dented a few of her bow plates as she lay off Tompklnsvllle, Staten Island, on the same day that the Titanic foundered.

Photos by Enrique Muller.Image and text provided by University of Hawaii at Manoa; Honolulu, HI.Photo from The Hawaiian Star (Honolulu [Oahu]) 1893-1912, 31 May 1912, SECOND EDITION, SECOND SECTION, Image 9, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.

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Stern view of the Utah (BB-31) in an unknown drydock sometime between 1909 and 1914.

Library of Congress photo # LC-H261-1188 via Mike Green.

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Delaware (BB-28) with what probably are Utah (BB-31) & Arkansas (BB-33) in 1913.

The Utah (BB-31) Number One Turret's crew posing under their turret's 12"/45 guns in 1913.
Chief Turret Captain Abraham DeSomer seated at right in the center of the front row. To his right is the Turret Officer, Ensign Arthur S. Carpender.
DeSomer received the Medal of Honor for his "extraordinary heroism" during the seizure of Vera Cruz, Mexico, 21-22 April 1914.

Taking green water over the bow in the Atlantic, while returning from the Mediterranean Sea in December 1913. A severe storm had just passed and seas were still heavy. Photographed by E. Muller, Jr.

USNHC # NH 63650.

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The Utah (BB-31) prior to 1914.

USNHC # NH 90359.

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U.S. Atlantic Fleet battleships steaming toward Mexican waters in 1914. Photograph copyrighted in 1914 by E. Muller, Jr., and Pach.OUR POWERFUL NORTH ATLANTIC FLEETThis is to considered be the most powerful battle fleet in the world. Recently it returned from the Mediterranean and left Hampton Roads for the south. During the last battle practice each of the vessels made a record for herself while the flagship Wyoming (BB-32) broke the world's record at target practice. The photograph shows the nine ships in the order in which they usually sail. The Wyoming is in the lead at the right, and is followed by the Florida (BB-30), Utah (BB-31), Delaware (BB-28), North Dakota (BB-29), South Carolina (BB-26), Rhode Island (BB-17), Georgia (BB-15),and New Jersey (BB-16).
The following battleships that were dispatched to Mexican waters included the:Ohio (BB-12),
Virginia (BB-13),
Nebraska (BB-14),
Connecticut (BB-18),
Louisiana (BB-19),
Vermont (BB-20),
Kansas (BB-21),
Minnesota (BB-22),
Mississippi (BB-23),
Idaho (BB-24),
New Hampshire (BB-25),
Michigan (BB-27),
Arkansas (BB-33),
New York (BB-34) &
Texas (BB-35).
In insets are (left to right):
Rear Admiral Henry T. Mayo,
Rear Admiral Frank F. Fletcher,
Rear Admiral Charles J. Badger.

TO COMMAND UTAH (BB-31)CAPT. J. H. GIBBONS, Of the Battleship Louisiana (BB-19), Who Will Be Placed in Command of the Utah on the Voluntary Retirement, After Thirty Years of Active Service, of Present Commander, Capt Louis S. Van Duze.

Abraham DeSomer was born on 29 December 1884 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In the early 1900s, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy from that state. Following his initial sea duty on board the gunboat Yorktown, DeSomer transferred to the monitor Monadnock (M-3), which served on the Asiatic Station, and became a Gunner's Mate. During 1907-1911, he was assigned to the battleship Nebraska (BB-14). DeSomer was promoted to Chief Petty Officer in 1910. A year later, he reported to the battleship Utah (BB-31). While serving in that ship on 21-22 April 1914, during the intervention at Vera Cruz, Mexico, his "extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession during the seizure of Vera Cruz, Mexico" was recognized by the award of the Medal of Honor. Utah consequently landed her "battalion"-17 officers and 367 sailors under the command of Lt. Guy W. S. Castle-as well as her Marine detachment, which formed part of the improvised "First Marine Brigade," made up of detachments of marines from the other ships that had arrived to show American determination. In the ensuing fighting, in which the men of Utah's bluejacket battalion distinguished themselves, seven won Medals of Honor. Those seven included Lt. Castle, the battalion commander; company commanders Ens. Oscar C. Badger and Ens. Paul F. Foster; section leaders, Chief Turret Captains Niels Drustrup and Abraham Desomer; Chief Gunner George Bradley; and Boatswain's Mate Henry N. Nickerson.
Chief Turret Captain Abraham DeSomer, USN Photographed in 1910, just after reenlisting for his third enlistment.
DeSomer received the Medal of Honor for his "extraordinary heroism" during the intervention at Vera Cruz, Mexico, 21-22 April 1914.

Medal of Honor Citation: “For distinguished conduct in battle, engagements of Vera Cruz, 21 and 22 April 1914. In both days' fighting at the head of his company, Ensign Paul Frederick Foster was eminent and conspicuous in his conduct, leading his men with skill and courage”. Ensign Paul Frederick Foster was part of the landing force of 800 Marines and Seamen at Vera Cruz on 22 April 1914 to protect U.S. citizens and rights during a period of political unrest in Mexico. 17 Marines and Sailors were killed during the battles over the two day period within the city of Vera Cruz during the incident. He was assigned to the Battleship Utah (BB-31) after graduating from the United States Naval Academy.

Photo courtesy of the Naval History and Heritage Command via Bill Gonyo.

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Vera Cruz Incident, 1914. The Utah (BB-31) battalion marches along the Vera Cruz waterfront while returning to their ship, circa April-June 1914. Battleship in the center distance is Minnesota (BB-22). Ship in the left distance is either Dixie (1898- 1922) or Prairie (1898-1923). Photographed by Hadsell.

USNHC # NH 100622.

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Chief Gunner George Bradley, USN (center) with Secretary of the Navy Edwin Denby (left) and Admiral Edward W. Eberle, USN, Chief of Naval Operations, at the White House, Washington, D.C., 4 October 1923, after he had been presented with the Medal of Honor by President Calvin Coolidge. The Medal was awarded "for meritorious service under fire" during the landings at Vera Cruz, Mexico, in 1914. At that time Bradley was a Chief Gunner's Mate, serving in Utah (BB-31).
Citation:
For meritorious service under fire on the occasion of the landing of the American naval forces at Vera Cruz in 1914. C.G. Bradley was then attached to the Utah, as a chief gunner's mate, and was in charge of the ammunition party and special details at Vera Cruz.

Lt. William Price Williamson commanded the gun battery of Utah's (BB-31) landing force during the landings at Vera Cruz, Mexico, in April 1914.

U.S. Naval Academy photo courtesy of Bill Gonyo.

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VERACRUZ TAKEN AFTER BOMBARDMENTPANORAMIC VIEW OF THE STURDY FIGHTERS OF THE ATLANTIC FLEET STEAMING OUT OF HAMPTON ROADS FOR MEXICAN WATERSLEFT TO RIGHT: THE OHIO (BB-12), THE VERMONT (BB-20), THE CONNECTICUT (BB-18), THE NORTH DAKOTA (BB-29), THE DELAWARE (BB-28), THE FLORIDA (BB-30), THE UTAH (BB-31), AND THE ARKANSAS (BB-33).

Guns of Battleship Utah (BB-31) Trained Upon Sand Hills Sheltering Maas' TroopsA group of marines on board the battleship here shown are drawn up with their arms and receiving instructions preparatory to landing. The other picture shows the great guns of the battleship Utah.

HE GAVE HIS LIFE FOR NATION'S HONORWilliam H. PulliainWilliam H. Pulliain of Pulaski, Va, son of a blacksmith, was shot at the taking of Vera Cruz. He died there on May 5. He was attached to the battleship Utah (BB-31). The body is now on the way to Pulaski for interment. When Pulliam's father, George Pulliain, heard of his son's death he said: "He gave his life for his country; he was my boy."

GLAD TO BE BACK FROM VERA CRUZThese sailors of the battleship Utah (BB-31), the first landing party that went ashore for the taking of Vera Cruz, have come back with their ship from Mexican waters and are glad to leave the tropical heat. They were given a month's shore leave at New York.

UNCLE SAM'S FIGHTER BATTLING OLD NEPTUNE'S WRATHUTAH (BB-31) IN A STORM OFF CAPE HATTERAS WHILE ON HER WAY TO GUANTANAMO

Image and text provided by The New York Public Library, Astor, Lenox and Tilden Foundation.Photo from The Sun. (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 14 February 1915, FOURTH SECTION PICTORIAL MAGAZINE, Image 40, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.

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PRESIDENT WILL SEND UNITED STATES FLEET ON BIG WAR GAME1. General view of warships in Hudson river. 2. Utah (BB-31). 3. Virginia (BB-13). 4. United States torpedo boat destroyer going at full speed.
5. Florida (BB-30), with sky line of New York city in the background. 6. Sailors aboard United States battleship.

OUTLINED AGAINST A CURTAIN OF DARKNESSA fleet of destroyers and torpedo-boats has now arrived at New York to join the heavy ships of the line. Altogether, about 50 vessels will be assembled when the ceremonies began next Monday. It is promised that the strained international relations will have no effect on the parade.

Photo by International News Service.Image and text provided by Penn State University Libraries; University Park, PA.Photo & text by Evening Public Ledger. (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 13 May 1915, Night Extra, Image 16, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.

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SAILORS OF THE FLEET PASS THE PRESIDENT IN PARADEAbove in the reviewing stand at Forty Second Street showing Acting Mayor McAneny, President Wilson, Secretary Daniels & Admiral Fletcher in the centre of the reviewing party. The sailors of the Utah (BB-31) with the flags they carried at Vera Cruz are passing the stand. Below are the sailors from the flagship Wyoming (BB-32) marching up the avenue.

Image and text provided by The New York Public Library, Astor, Lenox and Tilden Foundation.Photo from The Sun. (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 18 May 1915, Image 2, via chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.

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Dreadnoughts Texas (BB-35) and Utah (BB-31) First of Fletcher's Fleet To Leave Navy Yard for Southern Cruise, Dodge Big BulkheadBATTLESHIP UTAH PASSING UNDER BROOKLYN BRIDGE ON HER WAY TO NEWPORT WITH THE TEXAS.

ADMIRAL FLETCHER AND FLEET CAPTAINSAdmiral Fletcher, commander of the Atlantic fleet conferring with other officers on the flagship Wyoming (BB-32). Standing with his back turned, is Capt. Albert Gleaves of the Utah (BB-31); seated, left to right, are Capt. W. L. Rogers of the Delaware (BB-28), Admiral Fletcher and Captain Huse, chief of staff.

Utah (BB-31) looking forward from atop # 4 12" gun turret while coaling simultaneously from two colliers at the rate of 841 tons per hour prior to World War I. The ship's band is stationed on top of # 3 turret. The two colliers are Cyclops (CA-4) on the left and either Orion (CA-11) or Jason (CA-12) on the right. Cyclops had Mead-Morrison coal handling gear while the other collier had Lidgerwood gear.

USNHC # NH 61262.

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Closeup view of the main masthead, prior to World War I, with sailors in gunfire spotting positions and the U.S. flag flying from the gaff.

Halftone reproduction, copied from United States Navy Illustrated, published in New York in 1917. USNHC photo # NH 79494.

Over There 1917 - 1919

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SUPPLIES FOR A BATTLESHIP'S CUPBOARDThe most powerful naval force ever assembled under the Stars and Strips is now fully supplied and ready for battle.A Florida class (BB-30 / 31) battleship is in the background.

Image and text provided by Penn State University Libraries; University Park, PA.Photo by Evening Public Ledger.(Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 13 July 1917, Night Extra, Pictorial Section, Image 16, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.

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New York (BB-34) with seven other Battleships of the Atlantic Fleet at Hampton Roads, 1917.
The ship in the foreground (first from the right) is the Arkansas (BB-33). The photo shows a total of 8 battleships sailing in 2 columns. The cage masts of a battleship is showing above the Arkansas' forward turrets and the ship on the far left is actually 2 ships (3 masts) [the right hand of these 2 appears to be bow on to the camera sailing on a different bearing thus only one mast is showing]. Given the probable date of the photo, the flag on the foremast of Arkansas is probably that of R. Adm. Winslow, which would suggest that the right hand column is probably Battleship Division 1. The New York does appear in the photo as the second ship in the right hand column (second closest in the photo) note the 2 forward casemate guns (verses 1 on 12" gunned BB's) and the 2 gun main turrets. Assuming the the right hand column is division 1, the next 2 ships in that column would be Utah (BB-31) and the Florida (BB-30)(both funnels are between the masts) and the last ship in line (the bow on ship) may be Delaware (BB-28).

The Utah (BB-31) arrives at Hampton Roads, Virginia before going over to Europe during WW I. She operated in the waters of the Chesapeake Bay as an engineering and gunnery training ship and continued that duty until 30 August 1918, when she sailed for the British Isles with Vice Admiral Henry T. Mayo, Commander in Chief, United States Atlantic Fleet, embarked.

"Armor piercing shells weighing half a ton or more apiece being loaded on an American Dreadnought that is preparing to sail for European waters."

Photo by Central News Photo Service. Partial text from The War of the Nations (New York) N.Y. Times, 31 December 1919, courtesy of memory.loc.gov.

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Utah's (BB-31) crew lines the deck at attention during a funeral ceremony when the ship was at Brerehaven, Bantry Bay, Ireland, sometime on or after 10 September 1918. There, she became the flagship of Rear Admiral Thomas S. Rodgers, Commander, Battleship Division 6.

Working with a "kite" observation balloon, in Bantry Bay, near Berehaven, Ireland, circa September-November 1918.

USNHC # NH 63578.

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Battleships of the Sixth Battle Squadron (anchored in column in the left half of the photograph): included the Florida (BB-30)Utah (BB-31) Wyoming (BB-32)Arkansas (BB-33) New York (BB-34)Texas (BB-35) Nevada (BB-36)Oklahoma (BB-37)Pennsylvania (BB-38) &
Arizona (BB-39) at one time or another. There are only three of the battleships present in this photo
at Brest, France, on 13 December 1918. George Washington (ID-3018), which had just carried President Woodrow Wilson from the United States to France, is in the right background.

NH 63454 courtesy of National Museum of the U.S. Navy via flickr.com.

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27 December 1918 in New York Harbor, after her return from European waters. Note that two 5" guns have been removed from her starboard amidships battery, probably for wartime use on merchant ships.

USNHC # NH 44256.

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THE U. S. FLEET AT ANCHOR in the lower expanse of the Hudson River shortly after the review by Secretary Daniels. The Utah (BB-31) in the foreground. A vast throng watched in silence, awed by the spectacle, as the ten fighting units from overseas steamed slowly to their anchorage.

Photo by Underwoodx2Image and text provided by Penn State University Libraries; University Park, PA.Photo & text by Evening Public Ledger. (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 27 December 1918, Final, Image 22, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.

1920 - 1930's

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Underway, view from port. Circa 1919.

USN Photo by N. Moser, from the collection of the Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum, courtesy of Darryl L. Baker.

Photograph of her pilothouse and bridges, taken at the New York Navy Yard, 21 January 1919. View looks aft from atop her forward 12" gun turret, with turret # 2 in the foreground. Note searchlights and concentration dial mounted on Utah's (BB-31) "cage" foremast, and bearing markings painted on the turret base.

USNHC # NH 76569 via Mike Green.

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"American dreadnoughts & super-dreadnoughts steaming into New York harbor 14 April 1919." The Texas (BB-35) leads the procession with a airplane on her turret catapult. Note the escorting biplane. The "escorting" aircraft is either a Curtiss HS-1 or HS-2 (note the single engine) can't tell which from the photo. The aircraft on a fly-off platform atop the No. 2 turret of the Texas is 1 of 6 Sopwith Camels purchased from Britain at the end of the war. The platforms were a British concept designed to provide the fleet with an aircraft capable of reaching the high flying Zeppelins which the German Navy occasionally used as scouts. The Texas was the only US Battleship to be fitted with turret fly-off platforms while in Europe and was the test bed for this program in the US Navy. Not visible in this view is a stripped down (No fabric and no wings) Sopwith 1-1/2 Strutter lashed atop the No. 3 Turret. The platforms were eventually mounted on all 14" gun BB's through the New Mexico (BB-40 / 42) class (with mixed reviews from their commanders) and carried either a Hanriot HD-1 or a Neiuport 28. Though equipped inflatable floats for water landings, this tended to do a lot of damage not the least of which was dowsing a hot engine in cold salt water. By 1920 a successful compressed air catapult was developed and were being mounted on the aft deck of all 4 turreted battleships and fly-off platforms were removed. The Texas and New York (BB-34), because of their 5 Turrets, lacked the deck space for the catapult and had to make do with a float plane (Vought VE-7) sitting on the aft deck which would be launched by lowering it over the side for a surface take-off.If you look carefully at the photo you see the VE-7 on the deck and the A-frame hoist used for handling it.

Photo by Paul Thompson.Text courtesy of N.Y. Times, page 481, from The War of the Nations (New York), 31 December 1919, courtesy of memory.loc.gov. Text i.d. courtesy of Chris Hoehn.

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How the Atlantic Fleet looked to the camera man in a seaplane flying over lower Manhattan a week ago yesterday morning as the mighty armada came up the bay to anchorage in the Hudson off Riverside Drive for a two weeks' vacation after months of strenuous maneuvers in Southern waters. The destroyers Dale (DD-290) and Flusser (DD-289) are shown leading the column of eight dreadnoughts: Oklahoma (BB-37), Nevada (BB-36), Arizona (BB-39), flagship Pennsylvania (BB-38), Utah (BB-31), Florida (BB-30), North Dakota (BB-29) and Delaware (BB-28) past the Statue of Liberty at a fifteen-knot clip. In addition to the big battleships, the fleet includes thirty-two destroyers, numerous supply ships and several submarines.The Atlantic battleship fleet is home again. Here are the twelve great first line fighting ships that are paying Father Knickerbocker a two weeks' visit. Over a hundred of Uncle Sam's grim sea warriors gray the North River, while their 30,000 sailor-men are given the freedom of the city in a royal welcome home.The Battleship Mississippi (BB-41) leading the fleet into the harbor, as photographed from an airplane. Note the airplanes atop the forward and aft turrets.

Utah(BB-31) photographed from the air, off New York City on 23 April 1919. Wyoming (BB-32) is in the background.

Photo i.d. courtesy of Richard Jensen. USNHC # NH 61257.

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Halftone reproduction of a photograph showing showing junior officers reading in the ship's ward room, circa 1919.
This image was published in 1919 by A.M. Simon, 324 E. 23rd St., New York City, as one of ten photographs in a "Souvenir Folder" of views concerning Utah (BB-31).

USNHC # NH 104753. Donation of Dr. Mark Kulikowski, 2007.

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Halftone reproduction of a photograph showing showing enlisted men on the ship's gun deck, circa 1919. Several of the figures in this view have been heavily retouched. This image was published in 1919 by A.M. Simon, 324 E. 23rd St., New York City, as one of ten photographs in a "Souvenir Folder" of views concerning Utah (BB-31).

USNHC # NH 104754. Donation of Dr. Mark Kulikowski, 2007.

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Halftone reproduction of a photograph showing men at work in the crew's galley on board the ship, circa 1919. This image was published in 1919 by A.M. Simon, 324 E. 23rd St., New York City, as one of ten photographs in a "Souvenir Folder" of views concerning Utah (BB-31).

USNHC # NH 104756. Donation of Dr. Mark Kulikowski, 2007.

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Halftone reproduction of a photograph showing men working in the ship's General Mess pantry, circa 1919. This image was published in 1919 by A.M. Simon, 324 E. 23rd St., New York City, as one of ten photographs in a "Souvenir Folder" of views concerning Utah (BB-31).

USNHC # NH 104757. Donation of Dr. Mark Kulikowski, 2007.

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Halftone reproduction of a photograph taken on board the ship, looking forward on the port side from alongside her after twelve-inch gun turret, circa 1919.
Note the life rafts mounted on the turret's side. Halftone reproduction of a photograph taken on board the ship, looking toward the bow from her bridge, circa 1919. Note her forward twelve-inch twin gun turrets. This image was published in 1919 by A.M. Simon, 324 E. 23rd St., New York City, as one of ten photographs in a "Souvenir Folder" of views concerning Utah (BB-31).

USNHC # NH 104758. Donation of Dr. Mark Kulikowski, 2007.

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Halftone reproduction of a photograph taken on board the ship, looking forward on the port side from alongside her after twelve-inch gun turret, circa 1919.
Note the life rafts mounted on the turret's side. Halftone reproduction of a photograph taken on board the ship, looking toward the bow from her bridge, circa 1919. Note her forward twelve-inch twin gun turrets.This image was published in 1919 by A.M. Simon, 324 E. 23rd St., New York City, as one of ten photographs in a "Souvenir Folder" of views concerning Utah (BB-31).

USNHC # NH 104759. Donation of Dr. Mark Kulikowski, 2007.

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Halftone reproduction of a photograph of men working in the ship's machine shop, circa 1919. This image was published in 1919 by A.M. Simon, 324 E. 23rd St., New York City, as one of ten photographs in a "Souvenir Folder" of views concerning Utah (BB-31).

USNHC # NH 104760. Donation of Dr. Mark Kulikowski, 2007.

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Halftone reproduction of a photograph showing enlisted men lined up for mess, circa 1919. Note the mess pails carried by several of these Sailors. This image was published in 1919 by A.M. Simon, 324 E. 23rd St., New York City, as one of ten photographs in a "Souvenir Folder" of views concerning Utah (BB-31).

USNHC # NH 104755. Donation of Dr. Mark Kulikowski, 2007.

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Halftone reproduction of a photograph of men working in the ship's carpenter shop, circa 1919. This image was published in 1919 by A.M. Simon, 324 E. 23rd St., New York City, as one of ten photographs in a "Souvenir Folder" of views concerning Utah (BB-31).

USNHC # NH 104761. Donation of Dr. Mark Kulikowski, 2007.

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Part of 2,000 tons of coal begin to pile on Utah's (BB-31) deck from the adjoining collier when the ship was docked at Hampton Roads, Virginia on 26 May 1919. The coal made it way below decks after a record 5 hour transfer.

Photo courtesy of George Henry Wilson via Kent Holsather.

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Rear turrets of the Utah (BB-31) while in Cuba, circa 1919.

Photo courtesy of George Henry Wilson via Kent Holsather.

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Part of the Utah's (BB-31) Marine compliment poses for a group shot at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba in 1919. Corporal George Henry Wilson is in the upper right corner.

Photo courtesy of George Henry Wilson via Kent Holsather.

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Utah's (BB-31) Marines Present Arms while in Cuba, 1919.

Photo courtesy of George Henry Wilson via Kent Holsather.

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Utah's (BB-31) kitchen crew prepared at least 365,000 meals for the crew of 1001 men over a year.

Photo courtesy of George Henry Wilson via Kent Holsather.

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Utah's (BB-31) crew of 1001 men line the forward turrets and superstructure at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba in 1919.

Photo courtesy of George Henry Wilson via Kent Holsather.

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Utah's (BB-31) rowing team in 1919.

Photo courtesy of George Henry Wilson via Kent Holsather.

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Late teens - 20's circa photo showing the bearing markings painted on the turret base of the top two forward and aft turrets of the Utah (BB-31), while she was in a warm climate, as is evidenced by the tarp covering her fantail.

USN photo by O.W. Waterman, courtesy of Robert M. Cieri.

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Firing her fifth salvo, 26 June 1920, during exercises with her main battery 12"/45 guns. Photographed by A.E. Wells.

USNHC # NH 63651

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Captain Frederick A. Traut, USN. Recently on duty at Philadelphia. He has been assigned to command the battleship Utah (BB-31).

Image and text provided by Penn State University Libraries; University Park, PA.Photo from Evening Public Ledger.(Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 30 December 1920, NIGHT EXTRA, Image 24, courtesy of chroniclingamerica.loc.gov.

U.S. Navy ships prepare to watch the Billy Mitchell bombing experiments, 20 July 1921.The ship at the far left is Ohio (BB-12). Moving to the right, the next two are the Delaware (BB-28) and North Dakota (BB-29), but the photo is not clear enough to tell which is which. The next BB (closest to the camera) is the Utah (BB-31), and the ship at the far right side of the photo is the Florida (BB-30).

Dress ship for Prince of Wales.Though no date is given in 1922 the Utah (BB-31) was in the Mediterranean on tour. Note the Royal Navy battlecruiser in the background. It is either the HMS Hood, Repulse or Renown.

Photo courtesy of SK/3 Tommy Trampp.

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The annual flower battle afloat at Villefranchesur-Mer, the great French Mediterranean winter resort, was more gorgeous this year than ever. Sailors from our battleship Utah (BB-31) played a 1arge part.

This photo ofUtah (BB-31) was taken at Algiers on 5 April 1922. The admiral in center is VADM A. P. Niblack; the skipper is CAPT F. A. Traut; the Commander is CDR R. Henderson; the Marines are: CAPT J. M. Arthur & 2nd LT A. Stahlberger.

James T. Nix collection via Don Kehn, Jr.

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Crew of a 5"/51 secondary battery gun in action during early 1920s exercises. Note gas masks in use, and breeches of two 3-pdr saluting guns at the bottom of the picture.

USNHC # NH 89730.

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Charlestown Navy Yard, Boston, MA., circa 1923. From left to right: Utah (BB-31), battleship of the Virginia class {either the Virginia (BB-13) or the New Jersey (BB-16)}, and what might be the Birmingham (CL-2).

Panoramic photo of the U.S. fleet in Panama Bay (Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal) on 1 March 1923. 70 vessels are viewed; the Battle Fleet consists of all U.S. battleships from the Delaware (BB-28) through the Idaho (BB-42).

Three USN Battleships anchored at Target Bay, Culebra, West Indies, circa January-February 1924. The closest of the three is a Wyoming class (BB-32 / 33) battleship. The two ships in the background are the Florida (BB-30) and the Utah (BB-31), but again which is which is any body's guess.

Utah (BB-31) inboard profile 1923.The engines, boilers and coal-passing scuttles in the bulkhead behind the boilers have been drawn in. The location of the scuttles makes it clear that no coal-burning battleship could really be safe from underwater hits, as the scuttle doors, however secured, could spring open.

Detail shot of the Utah (BB-31) showing 5"/51s, 3" A.A. guns, range clocks search light location and other bridge detail after her rebuild in 1927. She was converted to oil burning at this time as well as being strengthened and blistered for better protection. Oil fired boilers, increased protection, and cage main mast elimination were the major items completed.

USN photo.

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Photographed circa the later 1920s, following modernization.

USNHC # NH 50227.

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Photographed circa the later 1920s, after she was modernized.

USNHC # NH 67493.

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Watercolor of a Presidential review during President Hoover's term of office, 1928-32. Crews line the rails of a Colorado class (BB-45 / 48) battleship as the ships pass in line astern of the reviewing stand with the airship Los Angeles (ZR-3) piercing the clouds accompanied by 9 biplanes.

Courtesy of Michael Schwarz.

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View of the U.S. Battlefleet from above, possibly from the airship Los Angeles (ZR-3).

President-Elect Herbert Hoover on board Utah (BB-31) in late December 1928, while returning to the United States from his South American tour. To Mr. Hoover's right is George Akerson, his personal secretary. Note 3"/50 gun barrel at right.

Detailed view of the Utah (BB-31), circa late 1929. Note the Vickers-type 5-inch director just inboard of the 5in/51 gun on her 01 level. A chart house, which is barely visible, occupied the base of the cage foremast. The navigating bridge above carried a 3-inch range-finder/altimeter at its after end; it had not yet been mounted at this time. The level above carried 3-inch fire controls and lookouts. The empty sponson was reserved for a main battery director (scope), with spotters in the mainmast. Note the pair of 3-pounder saluting guns at the forward end of the 01 level and the range clocks at both masts.

Photographed by George Winstead, probably immediately after her recommissioning on 1 April 1932, when Utah (AG-16) departed Norfolk on to train her engineers in using the new installations and for trials of her radio gear by which the ship could be controlled at varying rates of speed and changes of course maneuvers that a ship would conduct in battle. Her electric motors, operated by signals from the controlling ship, opened and closed throttle valves, moved her steering gear, and regulated the supply of oil to her boilers. In addition, a Sperry gyro pilot kept the ship on course.

USN photo courtesy of Robert M. Cieri. Text courtesy of DANFS.

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The Utah (AG-16) following her metamorphosis as a target ship, is now minus all her main armament, her main turrets have been emptied of their 12"/45 rifles.

CDR. William Henry Purnell Blandy was the commanding officer of the target ship Utah (AG-16) between 1938 to 1939 assigned to the task of training the Navy's bomber pilots in offensive work and in developing the fleet's anti-aircraft defenses. He was promoted to Captain in September of 1939.

Official USN photographic Portrait of RADM William H. P. "Spike" Blandy, USN, taken in February of 1941, when he was serving as the Chief of the Bureau of Ordnance. File number USN OOR-2044 about 1939, courtesy of Bill Gonyo.

Utah (BB-31) as a target/training ship (AG-16), 1941, outboard profile. Note the protective covers over her 5-inch guns and her directors, each with a small crane to uncover it. Because the booklet of plans on which this drawing is based does not perfectly match the 1941 photos of the ship, it is not certain that all of the planned directors were fitted. They would have composed 1.1-inch directors on the lookout level, and, below them, a 5in/38 director to port & a 5in/25 director to starboard. The object atop her pilot house in the photo is presumably an antiaircraft range-finder.

Puget Sound Navy Yard, Bremerton, Washington,
View from the west on 25 July 1941, taken from an aircraft based at Naval Air Station, Seattle, Washington.
Among the ships present are:
Aroostook (AK-44, ex-CM-3), at right, and Prometheus (AR-3), center, alongside the near side of the long pier closest to the camera;
Utah (AG-16), in drydock at left;
Colorado (BB-45), alongside the middle of the three longest piers;
Barnegat (AVP-10) and Biscayne (AVP-11), fitting out on the far side of the most distant long pier;
Casco (AVP-12) and Mackinac (AVP-13), under construction in the drydock in the upper left.

Official USN photo from the collections of the Naval Historical Center.
USNHC # NH 84927.

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Puget Sound Navy Yard, Bremerton, Washington, View from the south on 25 July 1941, taken from an aircraft based at Naval Air Station, Seattle, Washington.
Among the ships present are:
Aroostook (AK-44, ex-CM-3) and Prometheus (AR-3), alongside the left side of the long pier in left center;
Utah (AG-16), in drydock in the center of the photo;
Colorado (BB-45), alongside the middle of the three longest piers;
Barnegat (AVP-10) and Biscayne (AVP-11), fitting out on the right side of the long pier in right center;
Casco (AVP-12) and Mackinac (AVP-13), under construction in the drydock at right.

Official USN photo from the collections of the Naval Historical Center.
USNHC # NH 84926.

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Puget Sound Navy Yard, Bremerton, Washington,
View from the north on 25 July 1941, taken from an aircraft based at Naval Air Station, Seattle, Washington.
Among the ships present are:
Barnegat (AVP-10) and Biscayne (AVP-11), fitting out on the left side of the long pier in left center;
Casco (AVP-12) and Mackinac (AVP-13), under construction in the drydock at left;
Colorado (BB-45), alongside the middle of the three longest piers;
Utah (AG-16), in drydock in the center of the photo;
Aroostook (AK-44, ex-CM-3) and Prometheus (AR-3), alongside the right side of the long pier in right center.

Official USN photo from the collections of the Naval Historical Center.
USNHC # NH 84925.

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Puget Sound Navy Yard, Bremerton, Washington,
View from the east on 25 July 1941, taken from an aircraft based at Naval Air Station, Seattle, Washington.
Among the ships present are:
Barnegat (AVP-10) and Biscayne (AVP-11), fitting out on the near side of the long pier nearest the camera;
Casco (AVP-12) and Mackinac (AVP-13), under construction in the drydock nearest the camera;
Colorado (BB-45), alongside the middle of the three longest piers;
Utah (AG-16), in drydock in the right center of the photo;
Aroostook (AK-44, ex-CM-3) and Prometheus (AR-3), alongside the far side of the most distant long pier. Aroostook, at left. is being disassembled. Prometheus (AR-3) is being prepared for recommissioning.

Official USN photo from the collections of the Naval Historical Center.
USNHC # NH 84924.

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August, 1941 photo of the ship at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard being repainted at what was her final refit. Clearly seen is the asymmetrical array of 5"/38 and 5"/25 guns mounted in the old barbettes and along the sides of the ship. At this time, the ship had a dual purpose; as a gunnery training vessel and as a target vessel. In the target vessel role, all of the guns and gun directors were cover with protective wooden sheds which were put in place by the cranes the ship carried. She has been rearmed and partially repainted into "Measure 1" camouflage. Navy lighter YF-233 is alongside, and Aroostook (AK-44) is being disassembled in the background.

USNHC # NH 71234.

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Busy harbor scene featuring an assembly of ships with flags flying from stem to stern. Flat armor on the turret roof makes this a 12" gunned battleship. Torpedo Bilges and single cage mast make this a post 1921 Treaty update leaving us with only the Florida class and Wyoming class ships.The pole supports for the bridge & and other mast platforms, the size and shape of mid-ship expansion of the main deck to relocate 5"/51 Battery higher and further outboard and the "step-down" where the plating covering the former forward 5" gun casemate (partially obscured by the mooring lines) makes this a Florida class. I say it is the Utah (BB-31) because the Florida (BB-30) appears to have retained the blast deflector plating around the fighting top while the Utah did not.

A painting by the artist Wayne Scarpaci showing the Utah (AG-16) being torpedoed. The attack on the fleet at Pearl Harbor lasted a little under two hours, but for Utah, it was over in a few minutes. At 0801, soon after sailors had begun raising the colors at the ship's fantail, the erstwhile battleship took a torpedo hit forward, and immediately started to list to port.

Utah (AG-16) capsizing off Ford Island, during the attack on Pearl Harbor, 7 December 1941, after being torpedoed by Japanese aircraft. Photographed from Tangier (AV-8), which was moored astern of Utah. Note colors half-raised over fantail, boats nearby, and sheds covering Utah's after guns.

USN photo.

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Utah (AG-16) lies with her bottom up at Berth F-11, after she was torpedoed by Japanese planes and capsized on 7 December 1941. In the right background is Raleigh (CL-7), also hit by a Japanese torpedo, which is being assisted in staying afloat by a barge and a tug tied up along her port side.

Official USN photo USNHC # NH 97401, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center.

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The capsized Utah (AG-16) and Raleigh (CL-7) are shown after the attack.

USN photo # 80-G-32742, courtesy of the National Museum of the U.S. Navy, courtesy of flickr.com.

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Capsized hull of Utah (AG-16) off the western side of Ford Island on 12 December 1941, five days after she was sunk by Japanese aerial torpedoes during the Pearl Harbor Attack. View looks toward Ford Island, with Utah's bow at left. Tangier (AV-8) is in the right background.

USNHC # NH 50857.

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Bow view of the capsized Utah (AG-16), as seen from the stern of Raleigh (CL-7), on 12 December 1941. Utah had been torpedoed and sunk during the Japanese attack five days earlier.

Salvage of Utah (AG-16), 1943-44. View from offshore, looking toward Ford Island, showing the sunken ship's starboard deck edge area during righting operations, 10 February 1944. Visible on her superstructure deck, in center, are an open 5"/38 single gun mount and a 1.1" quad machine gun mount.

USNHC # NH 83059.

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Under salvage at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, 13 February 1944. The ship, which capsized to port after being torpedoed in the Japanese attack of 7 December 1941, is seen at about the 68 degree position at the completion of the first pulling period. Her blister plating has been cut away around the turn of the bilge to provide fair lead to hitch pads. Salvage efforts rolled her back toward Ford Island, but she was not re floated.

USNHC # NH 64301.

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Wreck of the Utah (AG-16) after righting, 13 March 1944.

USNHC # NH 64302.

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Utah (AG-16) memorial plaque mounted on the ship's wreck, off the west side of Ford Island, Pearl Harbor. Photographed on 9 December 1950. The plaque's inscription reads: "In Memory - Officers and Men - Utah - Lost in Action - 7 December 1941".

Official USN photo USNHC # NH 80-G-484354, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center.

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Chief Water tender Peter Tomich, USN, who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for heroism on board Utah (AG-16) during the 7 December 1941 Japanese air attack on Pearl Harbor. Halftone reproduction, copied from the official publication "Medal of Honor, 1861-1948, The Navy", page 270.

USNHC # NH 79593.

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Utah (AG-16) plaque erected near the ship's wreck, off the west side of Ford Island, Pearl Harbor.

Official USN photo USNHC # NH 80-G-484355, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center.

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The Utah's (AG-16) wreck, off the western side of Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, on 7 December 1951, the tenth anniversary of the Japanese attack that sank her. At right is a memorial plaque giving historical information on her loss.

Official USN photo USNHC # NH 80-G-436639, from the collections of the Naval Historical Center.

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The Utah's (AG-16) hulk is seen from the flight deck of the Lexington (CV-16) in May, 1959.

NA photo # USN 1056771. from the WARSHIP SERIES #7--"PARALLEL FATES--The Utah (BB-31/AG-16) and the Oklahoma (BB-37)in Peace and in War", by Harvey M. Beigel, courtesy of Mike Green.

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Utah Memorial as seen on December 1971.

Photo by Bob Canchola, BT, Oriskany via Fabio Pena.

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Looking at the Utah Memorial from Ford Island at Pearl Harbor.

Daniel W. Gless.

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Utah Memorial as seen on August 1987 against the backdrop of Ford Island.

Courtesy of Robert M. Cieri.

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Utah Memorial Plaque at Pearl Harbor.

Daniel W. Gless.

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An overhead view of the Radio Control - Bombing & Submarine Target and Anti-Aircraft Gunnery Training Ship Utah (AG-16), under the water in the East Loch at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, 10 March 1989. The Utah Memorial is one of two National Memorials at Pearl Harbor.

USN photo # DN-SC-04-14300, by PH3 Bos, from the Department of Defense Still Media Collection, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil.

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A guest studies a painting depicting the history of battleships. The artwork was painted by George Skybeck and presented to the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association during their annual banquet at Honolulu, Hawaii, on 8 December 1991.

USN photo # DN-SC-92-05391, by PHC Carolyn Harris, from the Department of Defense Still Media Collection, courtesy of dodmedia.osd.mil.

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Taken in 1992 during the first ever unlimited hydro races held at Pearl Harbor. Shows the 01 level area on the starboard
side near the bridge of the Utah (AG-16) . Plaque on this level commemorates the 58 lives lost on this ship 7 December 1941. The same plaque can be seen ashore.

Courtesy of Larry Lee.

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Bows on view of the ship showing the final resting place of the ship. The ship was pulled back towards shore in 1944 and now rests at a 38 degree angle. The ship would have been salvaged if it had not been for the fact the ship slid towards Ford Island instead of rolling over like the Oklahoma (BB-37).

Courtesy of Larry Lee.

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View of the side of the ship and 01 level superstructure as seen from Ford Island. Interesting detail view of the overhang area showing portholes, WTD door, and rusted area of the ship.

Courtesy of Larry Lee.

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Close up of the forward starboard quarter of the ship with one of cables used in righting operations in '43/44. Again more port holes can be seen - all battened up, as well as the barbett of the original 12 inch gun of turret no. 2. This turret was removed in the 30's and the barbet covered over and a non-shielded 5"/38 gun was put in its place.

Courtesy of Larry Lee.

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Taken from Ford Island showing most of the above water remains of the Utah (AG-16) . Shot taken in January 1988, when I just reported aboard the Coronado as part of COMTHIRDFLT staff. I walked all around Ford Island that day and there were still lots of WWII buildings around so it was kinda like walking back into history for a while there.

Courtesy of Larry Lee.

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Sailors assigned to ships based at Pearl Harbor bring the flag to half-mast over the Utah Memorial on Ford Island in honor of Memorial Day 31 May 2004.

USN photo # N-9643K-008, courtesy of news.navy.mil.

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A quote made by Fleet Adm. Chester W. Nimitz is inscribed on a granite wall at the National World War II Memorial located on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Fleet Adm. Nimitz was the United States signatory to the surrender terms aboard the battleship Missouri (BB-63) in Tokyo Bay, Japan on 2 September 1945, thus ending World War II. Established by the American Battle Monuments Commission, the memorial honors all military veterans of World War II, the citizens on the home front, the nation at large, and the high moral purpose and idealism that motivated the nation's call to arms. On 29 May 2004, the memorial was formally dedicated with an estimated 200,000 people expected to attend, and includes 100,000 visiting veterans of all wars.

Nina and Mary Kreigh prepare to raise the American flag at sunset at the Utah Memorial in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, 6 December 2005. Mary's father Albert T.D. Wagner, was the chief yeoman aboard the Utah (AG-16) when it was sunk during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.
She was supposed to be scattered at sea, her ashes thrown to the waves in a ceremonial burial in the old Navy tradition.
Instead, the urn containing Nancy Lynne Wagner went down with the ship off Ford Island, where it remains today.
Every December, Mary Wagner Kreigh, the twin sister of "Baby Nancy," visits Pearl Harbor, gazing out at the rusted hull of the Utah, and she plucks a flower from a wreath.
"I throw it over into the water and thank the sailors for watching over her. She couldn't have better guardians."
Born premature in the Philippines, the two girls weighed three pounds a piece. One had the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck and died two days later.
Her father, Navy Chief Yeoman Albert T.D. Wagner, took the ashes aboard the Utah, so when the ship went out for maneuvers they could be scattered at sea.
"The chaplain was supposed to come aboard and go out to sea and they would have the ceremony," Kreigh said.
The somber plans were interrupted by the attack on Pearl Harbor, and while Wagner was able to escape with his life, his daughter's ashes were left behind.
Years later, the surviving twin would accompany her father to see what remained of the Utah, and watch as the tears streamed down his face.
"There was nothing there, no memorial, nothing but this old ship, and we had to wander down through the mud. He looked at me and asked, 'Don't they care?'"
Within a few years, her father was dead. From then on, Kreigh has made it her life's work to spread the story of the Utah, Baby Nancy, and the men who went down and the men who survived.
She soon found herself appointed as the public relations director of the Utah Association and as the go-to girl for organizing the reunions.
"The Utah survivors are my family. They are my survivors, and I know them all quite intimately. They are not just people to me, they are total family."
For years now, Kreigh has traveled to Hawaii to visit the Utah, participating in a December 6 ceremony held one day prior to the attack so it doesn't conflict with the events on the actual anniversary.
More than a few times, she's stood at the shore and watched as the ashes of yet another fallen survivor are placed on the ship to join his shipmates.
"It's a breathtaking ceremony, one of the most wonderfully beautiful things you'll ever see," she said.
Even though the Utah is long gone and Baby Nancy with her, Kreigh says she never feels very far away from her twin.
"Nancy has always been with me. Baby Nancy was my playmate always."
Kreigh likes to stand at the edge of the water, look to the Utah and picture the sailors singing lullabies to her twin.
"It is so peaceful and quiet. I wouldn't want her any place else."

Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe, Adm. Harry Ulrich will present a posthumously awarded Medal of Honor to the family of Chief Water tender Peter Tomich at a ceremony on 18 May 2006. Retired Croatian Army Lt. Col. Srecko Herceg Tonic will receive the U.S. military highest award on behalf of the Tomich family. Tomich was awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions aboard the battleship Utah (AG-16) on 7 December 1941, during the surprise Japanese attack at Pearl Harbor.

Utah (BB-31) HistoryView This Vessels DANFS History Entry(Located On The Hazegray & Underway Web Site, This Is The Main Archive For The DANFS Online Project.)Crew Contact And Reunion InformationContact Utah (BB-31) Association Web Site Webmaster Note About Contacts.

The contact listed, was the contact at the time for this ship when located. If another person now is the contact, E-mail me and I will update this entry. These contacts are compiled from various sources over a long period of time and may or may not be correct. Every effort has been made to list the newest contact if more than one contact was found.